This recording gathers together some of Vivaldi’s finest and most famous virtuoso flute concertos. Prominent among them are two masterpieces of figurative music: La notte, which evokes the agony of a restless night, populated by ghosts, and then the soothing effect of deep sleep; and Il gardellino, in which the swirling flute mimics the cheerful song of the goldfinch. Entrusting the soloist’s part to the pan flutes may seem, at first glance, a bold and unusual approach. However, there are both historical and aesthetic justifications. The panpipes originated from 17th century Europe, notably the Romanian nai, hardly far in place or time from Vivaldi’s Venice. And far from distorting his music, the panpipes lend a bright and warm matching colour to it.
Works:
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Vivaldi: Concerto, Op. 3 No. 8 'Con due Violini obligati', RV 522
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Vivaldi: Concerto, Op. 3 No. 11 'Con due Violini e Violoncello obligato', RV 565
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Vivaldi: Flute Concerto in A minor, R.108
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Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 2 in G minor, RV 439 'La notte'
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Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 3 in D major, RV 428 'Il gardellino'
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Vivaldi: Flute Concerto, Op. 10 No. 4 in G major, RV 435
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Vivaldi: Sinfonia in B minor, RV169 'Al Santo Sepolcro'